Internships in the Post-DotCom Era?

aetherspoon asks: "Reading the Internship at Microsoft story, I was wondering what paid jobs were actually still out there for CS majors in the industry. Coming from a CS major who has a stack of 'We're sorry, but...' letters sitting on his desk, I know that I have not had much luck in this area. Are there any places left offering good paid internships?"

Comments

well

[nomadic]

No.

Re:well

[joe_bruin]

i went into CS because they told me that's where all the cute girls are. how was i supposed to know they meant 'comparative sociology'?
oh well, at least counterstrike still loves me.

--
go on, ask your newbie coding questions. we probably won't make fun of you.

Re:well

[Peterus7]

Yes. But they're nearly all in the medical field. So unless you know how to program a deep brain stimulator and maintain hospital databases, and create servers and stuff for private practices, then you are in good shape.

Or you could always be an orderly.

Anyhow, back to the deep brain stimulator thing, that's a really interesting up and coming field that deals with putting in implants into the brain (one of the main reasons is parkinsons patients with really bad tremors) that need to be programmed. Usually that duty is placed in the hands of a Practicioner specializing in neurology, but if you majored in CS and minored in medicine/neuroscience, then you may be in good shape for that.

Or you could be an orderly.

Also, if you know your math, science, and computer skills well enough, you could be a teacher... Teacher certification is fairly easy to get, from what I hear, and it's a field with very good job security for people who know their math and science.

Or you could be an orderly or something. Ok, so maybe I need a new job. (jk)

Internships are way down.

[geekoid]

Now I have to get my own mochas.

tap.tap.tap. is this thing on?

The White House used to have a good program

[ObviousGuy]

But it wasn't paid and they didn't give you kneepads.

From what I understand, they've cancelled the program, though.

Re:yes

[DasBub]

I hear some positions in Iraq will be opening up real soon...

At least you got a rejection letter!

[Anonymous Coward]

I cant even get that!

McDonald's is always hiring.

[L7_]

You can be a team player. Sure its not so much as developing software, but using already integrated e-commerce software products (knowing which button is used to super-size a meal for instance). Corporate employers always look to see technical ability, ability to follow instructions, as well as being part of a successful team environment.

In other words, C.S. students are a dime a dozen, just like mcdonald's employees. What makes you stand out?

You know some math above first year calculus? You know some science above first year biology? Do you know anything besides programming? If you don't, then don't expect to get a job that any other second year CS student can get. Cause you won't get it unless you know someone (which is still the best bet for finding internships).

Re:Graduate study in Something Else

[ObviousGuy]

Currently far too many (dumb) people are trained in computer science.

There's also a problem of far too many (arrogant) people trained in computer science.

Re:yes

[L7_]

actually, if youre willing to travel to Tennessee the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has a nice summer internship program for nuclear engineers and other scientists. The web site is at www.orau.gov/orise/educ.htm.


I think that you need to be a US citizen to get it though, but if you're not and still studying Nuclear Engineering, you must be a terrorist.

Re:Try networking

[Anonymous Coward]

You could at least have replied to the resumes you got saying "We're arrogant assholes, you wouldn't want to work here anyway."

Re:Graduate study in Something Else

[dirvish]

California State University Chico has an excellent Underwater Basket Weaving Program.

Try Dell

[One Louder]

Dell seems to be spending a lot of time advertising their intern program on television, so I'd try there.

Apparently you have to be a complete weenie, though.

Re:Contiune your education...

[gilesjuk]

Law seems to be where it's at, especially with all the bigwigs suing each other to defend their ridiculous patents.

Re:yes - OT-We own you.

[taliver]

Actually from what I hear. That paper you signed going in has a clause that even if you're out. You can be reactivated, and be brought back. So unless one wants to be effectively owned for the rest of their lives, no! (For those who don't see this, it's an AC that I'm answering).

I'm actually in this group as well, and honestly, if you're in the country, and you're male, you're already owned. Remeber that Selective Service card you were supposed to fill out when you turned 18? The liklihood of that being used is actually higher than the liklihood of you getting called back after you resign your commission.

Now, I'm actually in the Active Reserves, which gives me around $400/drill weekend and I get to go on all sorts of nifty trips as well. The only thing I have to fear is if we go to war, but what, I ask you, are the odds of that happening these days?

Re:yes - OT

[DuctTape]

I'm surprised that they called you. Reactor techs on nuclear subs (or nu-cu-lar, if you're Dubya) are enlisted posts, not orficer. And the above poster was correct, it's a paperwork nightmare. And nuclear engineering types on subs have the crappiest sea-shore rotation. So, if you like wearing dungarees, getting dirty, loud working conditions, and crappy pay, hey, the Navy is looking for you!!! Oh, did I mention occupational exposure to radiation?]

Re:CS

[yintercept]

"oh well, at least counterstrike still loves me."

Yeah, the interviewer tossed me out of the building when he discovered my CS degree actually referred to 4 solid years playing CounterStrike .

Well, I got the last laugh when I hacked the company's game server, and wiped the floor with that bozo. Yeah, like he's going to dare enter that gameroom now. ha!